Data Backup Storage

There are many different solutions of where to store you backup data.1One option is a data backup hard drive.1This hard drive could be kept on the operating system, or an external hard drive can be purchased.1The pros of having an external hard drive is that they are portable, they can come in many different sizes of storage, they are easy to connect to and they are perfect for large backup needs.1 They are also simple to install.1 A con of having one is that, like a computer, it can be damaged if dropped or mishandled and it is vulnerable to magnets.1 They can be an expensive investment also.1
DVD data backup is another option.1 Regular DVDs can store about 4.7 GB and dual-layer DVDs can store 8.5 GB.1 They can come in DVD RW which you can use multiple times, or single-use DVD-R.1 If your computer already has a DVD burner, otherwise DVD burners can be expensive.1 A DVD lifespan can range from 30-100 years and are not vulnerable to magnets.1 Some bad things about DVD storage is that you have to have multiple DVDs to store large amounts of information, if you do not have a DVD burner you will have to buy one, and if they get scratched they may not work anymore.1 Also, the burn rate can be slow depending on the computer.

Aside from DVD, there is CD data backup.1 Like DVDs, you can buy rewriteable CDs or single-use ones.1 They are also cheaper than DVDs.1 However, they can only hold from 650 to 700 MB of data, but that makes them perfect for small backups.1 CDs are portable, easy to store, and most computers come with a CD burning drive.1 They also have a 5 to 10 year lifespan and are not vulnerable to magnets.1 However, if your computer does not have a CD burner you will have to buy one, and there are also hardware and installation fees.1 Like DVDs, they can become scratched and unusable.